US Paralympian Myles Porter Will Be First To Compete In A Grand Prix This Week In Miami

USA Judo’s Parlympic Silver Medalist Myles Porter will be the first U.S. visually impaired athlete to compete in an international Grand Prix tournament when he steps on the mats next weekend, June 15-16, in Miami.

Porter won the silver medal at the Paralympic Games last summer in London. His ultimate goal is to compete in both the Paralympic Games and Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. He steps closer to that goal when he makes history next weekend at the Grand Prix Miami, a super competitive international tournament where nations can send only the top two athletes in each division. Porter (USA Judo Training Site, Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, CO) is the top ranked U.S. judo fighter in his 100 kg. division, visually impaired AND fully sighted (able bodied).

“Fighting in the Grand Prix is going to be a great experience, and to do it in my own country makes it even better,” Porter said. “Anytime I get to represent USA judo and Team USA internationally, it’s always an honor for me.”

He continued, “to be the first U.S. Para guy (to fight in a Grand Prix) is pretty awesome. Just to have the coaching staff I have to guide me to this level so quickly in my career is such a blessing. I am truly grateful for everything.”